Barker, John, (2), Dd

Barker, John, (2), D.D., a Methodist Episcopal minister, was born in Yorkshire, England, March 17, 1813. He emigrated to America with his parents when three years old; graduated at Geneva College in his nineteenth year, and soon afterwards experienced conversion and received license to preach. His talents as an educator being recognised, he was appointed professor of mathematics in Genesee Wesleyan Seminary, at Lima, N. Y. In 1839 he became vice- president and professor of natural philosophy and chemistry in Allegheny College. In 1846 he was elected professor of ancient languages in Transylvania University, Ky., and in 1848 president of Allegheny College. That same year he entered the Pittsburgh Conference, but continued to fill the office of president till his death, by paralysis, Feb. 26, 1860. As a preacher, Dr. Barker was original, able, lucid, and often eloquent; as a man, amiable and witty. See Minutes of Annual Conferences, 1860, p. 69; Simpson, Cyclop. of Methodism, s.v.